Seems like it's time to start a build thread...or will you just continue to document the standard "maintenance" items on a V8V here?

Agree.   I’ve looked at those a little and even with $$$ custom cams and porting it’s probably a 450 HP motor.   Sky is the limit with boost, but that’s a tight engine bay!

Merc V12 or turbo V8 could be interesting and somewhat “on brand” as well.   Would need adapters designed though most likely.    I bet that XF Motorsports could help with that though…

I suppose it depends on your ultimate goal.  The added cost and complexity (and trading Aston tax for turbo Mercedes tax) ruins the appeal for staying "on brand".  I'd be more inclined to source an AM V12 at that point.   On the Aston tax subject, Velocity AP did just announce new pricing for their twin plate clutch kit below $3000 (about $1000 less than it has been). 

The appeal of the Vantage to me is something that I can drive year round in Southern California so I'd personally like an engine with more reasonable running costs that I can actually tinker with.  Similar to the FD and the rotary, I love the way the looks of the Aston but I'm indifferent about the powertrain.  Having heard a few Vantage V8s and V12s with aftermarket exhausts, my main gripe with an LS is the exhaust note doesn't fit the AM.  One solution to this might be the possibility of fabricating an 8 into 1 exhaust but packaging is an unknown element.  However, the corvette guys have done it so I'd say it's possible.

The appeal of the 1GZ is price point as they can still be picked up for 2-3k and I know people have adapted them to Corvette drivelines.  Aftermarket support and availability of maintenance items in the states, is slim to none but some 1JZ components can be used.  However, as you alluded to, anything north of 400hp would require significant investment for NA power (high compression pistons, custom milled heads, and custom cams), and while I think turbos would fit in the engine bay relatively easily (the AJ37 isn't exactly a small engine), it adds significant complexity.

There was a similar post on Vantages a few months back.  I picked one up about 3 years ago with rod knock (after some research, it seems to be a common issue that no one seems to notice or talk about) for a great price.  It's been on the back burner until recently.  While I was waiting to investigate the carnage, I came across a cheap, spare, engine that I am currently swapping.  Long term plans would likely be an LS/LT (have a couple other engines in mind as well) but I want to see if I like the platform before I go off the deep end.  A lift would make ownership much easier but I'm getting by with a QuickJack with the elevation limitations in my garage.

Overall, I'm pretty impressed with what I've seen in terms of build quality and chassis engineering as I tear the car apart and think it's something I'll probably invest more time/money into than the FD, long term.  My biggest gripe is the, expected, Aston tax on everything.  Hard to justify $3500 - 4000, single-plate, clutches (parts alone) that last as little as 15-20k miles and it's the primary driver to thinking about alternative drivetrain options, long term. 

Hi Justin,

I have a V2 radiator from 4-5 years ago that had the old, one-piece, top plate design.  I cut it in half to address the bumper/hood gap issues but have never really been happy with the results.  I am in the process of redoing my setup and was about to order some parts and was wondering if your current top plate design will still fit the old V2 radiators?  If so, can I purchase this part separately?

Thanks,
Tim

I'm local (Irvine, CA) and might be interested in being part of the first batch.  I currently have a running/driving, swapped, car with Samberg subframe and Hinson/Stainless Works 1 7/8" headers.  If you guys want to take a look of the fitment of these headers, let me know.  Based on my experiences with the SW headers, I have a few suggestions for areas of improvement, if you're interested.

I'm actually planning to pull my current engine (L33) this weekend and swap in an LS2, with limited down time, so I would be in a position to provide feedback relatively quickly.

Do you have an idea of when these would be ready. 

Here is what I have.












Pics of it installed on the previous owner's car:








Everything pictured is included.  I'd like to sell it with the condenser but if you don't need it, I understand. 

Price with Condenser: $260 shipped

Price without Condenser: $230 shipped

Let me see what all I have and I'll send you pics and price tomorrow. 

-Tim

Congrats on the home purchase.  I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread as I'm closing on my own house September 4th.  I was originally looking for a 3 car garage but, on average, it was going to cost me an extra $400-500 a month down in So. Cal.  I ended up "settling" for a 2 car garage and higher end features in the living space.  But space will definitely be at a premium. 

My garage space is ~20' x 21' with 10'4" ceilings with only the water heater in the garage.  I'm definitely interested to see how your floor turns out as that will be my first project. 

Maybe you already considered/mentioned this but do you have room on the property for a shed?  I have a large cement pad that I'm considering using for a 10' x 12' (maximum sq ft before needing a permit in my area) shed which would allow for storage of larger car parts (spare wheel/tire sets, manifold collection, transmissions, rearends) and larger tools that aren't used on a regular basis (transmission jacks, engine stands/hoists) or just general storage to keep things out of your garage.